SOCIAL STUDIES
Student placement in Social Studies classes will be based on the following criteria, unless specifically stated in the course description:
 Grade from previous class
○ Determining grade will not include grading categories that do not reflect assessment, such as homework or extra
credit.
 Performance on local assessments, such as midterms and final exams
 PSSA scores from previous tests
 PVAAS projections of proficiency levels
 Teacher recommendation
United States History II 153
Grade 9
Social, political, geographical, economic and cultural histories are interwoven in this comprehensive survey of the United States from
World War I to the present. This chronicle of the United States from World War I focuses on industrialization, urbanization, the major
wars, economic patterns and social change associated with the twentieth century global economy. Fundamental reading, writing,
organizational, and technological skills are developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed and
student-centered learning.
College Prep United States History II 154
Grade 9
This college-prep level course is recommended for students considering post-secondary education but whose primary interests are
away from the Social Studies field. This chronicle of the United States since World War I critically examines our recent past by
focusing on urbanization, industrialization, major wars, and twentieth century economic and social change. Relationships are
developed among historical events within the United States, Pennsylvania and the local community. Current issues are
addressed. Essential reading, writing, and technological skills necessary for success at the post-secondary level are developed through
research projects, instructional activities on reading and writing strategies, and both teacher-directed and student-centered learning. A
writing research component is included. Daily homework is expected.
Honors United States History II 155
Grade 9
This Honors level course is recommended for students planning to attend a four-year liberal arts college or university, and with a
strong interest and/or aptitude in history and the social sciences. Students should be reading above grade level and performing at well
above average level. Students should be highly motivated and able to function independently within the classroom environment. This
chronicle of the United States since World War I critically examines our recent past by focusing on urbanization, industrialization,
major wars, and twentieth century economic and social change. Relationships are developed among historical events within the United
States, Pennsylvania and the local community. Current issues are addressed. Essential reading, writing, and technological skills are
introduced and developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed and student-centered
learning. A major research centered writing project is included. Independent reading, research, multi-tasking, and a strong work
ethic are required for this course.
Civics and Government 1701
Grade 10
Civics and Government is a course intended for students who do not plan on pursuing post-secondary education. This course provides
students with a fundamental understanding of our American government. Students will be challenged to connect with the democratic
process. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of how the American and Pennsylvania systems of government
function and how they impact the lives of individual citizens. This course will focus especially on the national and state levels of
government. Students will demonstrate an understanding that US citizens have both rights and responsibilities in order for society to
function. Fundamental reading, writing, and technological skills are developed through a series of common research and writing
assignments.
College Prep Civics and Government 1702
Grade 10
The College Prep level course intended primarily for students who plan to pursue post-secondary education. This course provides
students with a practical understanding of our American government. Students will be challenged to connect with the democratic
process. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of how the American and Pennsylvania systems of government
function and how they impact the lives of individual citizens. This course will focus especially on the national and state levels of
government. Students will demonstrate an understanding that US citizens have both rights and responsibilities in order for society to
function. Substantial reading, writing, and technological skills are developed through a series of common research and writing
assignments. Regular homework is to be expected.
Honors Civics and Government 1703
Grade 10
This Honors level course is recommended for students reading above grade level and performing at well above average level. Students
should be highly motivated and able to function independently within the classroom environment. The course is designed to provide
students with a thorough understanding of our American government. Students will be challenged to connect with the democratic
process. Students will be able to apply knowledge of the US and Pennsylvania Constitution and to demonstrate their understanding of
how the American and Pennsylvania systems of government function and how they impact the lives of individual citizens. This
course will focus especially on the national and state levels of government. Students will demonstrate an understanding that US
citizens have both rights and responsibilities in order for society to function. Reading, writing, and technology will be used regularly
to enhance skills that will be expected at the college level. Independent research and reading will be assigned. Daily homework is to
be expected.
Modern World History 156
Grade 11 or 12
Through a regional approach, Modern World History explores major events that have shaped our modern world. Major cultures are
examined through geographical, family, religious, economic and political spheres. Basic principles are used to explain patterns in
human culture. Essential reading, writing and technological skills are developed through a minimum of three major, but short, research
projects.
College Prep Modern World History 157
Grade 11 or 12
For students with a strong interest in world cultures through a regional approach, Modern World History explores major events that
have shaped our modern world. Major cultures are examined through geographical, family, religious, economic and political spheres.
Basic principles are used to explain patterns in human culture. A minimum of two extensive research projects and daily homework
build reading, writing and technological research skills.
Honors Modern World History 158
Grade 11 or 12
For students with a strong interest in world cultures through a regional approach, Modern World History explores major events that
have shaped our modern world. Major cultures are examined through geographical, family, religious, economic and political spheres.
Basic principles are used to explain patterns in human culture. A minimum of two extensive research projects and daily homework
build reading, writing and technological research skills.
Western World History 1707
Grade 11 or 12
Career Prep Western World History is intended for students who do not plan on pursuing post-secondary education. The course
explores major events from 1450 to the present that have shaped the regions of Europe and North and South America. Fundamental
reading, writing, and technological skills are developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed
and student-centered learning.
College Prep Western World History 1708
Grade 11 or 12
College Prep Western World History is geared towards students who are considering post-secondary education but whose primary
interests are away from the Social Studies field. The course explores the events from 1450 to the present that have shaped the regions
of Europe and North and South America. Essential reading, writing, and technological skills necessary for success at the postsecondary level are developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed and student-centered
learning. Daily homework is expected.
Honors Western World History 1709
Grade 11 or 12
Honors Western World History is intended for students planning to attend a four year liberal arts college or university, and with a
strong interest and/or aptitude in history and the social sciences. Through a regional and thematic approach, Western World History
explores the events from 1450 to the present that have shaped the regions of Europe and North and South America. Essential reading,
writing, and technological skills are developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed and
student-centered learning. Independent reading and research and a strong work ethic are required for this course.
Eastern World History 1704
Grade 11 or 12
Career Prep Eastern World History is intended for students who do not plan on pursuing post-secondary education. The course
explores major events from 1450 to the present that have shaped the regions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Fundamental
reading, writing, and technological skills are developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed
and student-centered learning.
College Prep Eastern World History 1705
Grade 11 or 12
College Prep Eastern World History is geared towards students who are considering post-secondary education but whose primary
interests are away from the Social Studies field. The course explores the events from 1450 to the present that have shaped the regions
of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Essential reading, writing, and technological skills necessary for success at the post-secondary
level are developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed and student-centered learning. Daily
homework is expected.
Honors Eastern World History 1706
Grade 11 or 12
Honors Eastern World History is intended for students planning to attend a four year liberal arts college or university, and with a
strong interest and/or aptitude in history and the social sciences. Through a regional and thematic approach, Eastern World History
explores the events from 1450 to the present that have shaped the regions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Essential reading,
writing, and technological skills are developed through research projects, instructional activities, and both teacher-directed and
student-centered learning. Independent reading and research and a strong work ethic are required for this course.
Government and Economics 159
Grade 12
Government and Economics introduces students to American politics, economics and personal finance. This course offers an intensive
study of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of all citizens. With this foundation, students examine the national,
state, and local governments in practice. This course surveys the economic relationship of the government and the private sector. In
addition, students develop strategies for personal budgeting and investment. Essential reading, writing and technological skills are
developed through a minimum of three major, but short, research projects, including a required 3-5 page research paper approved by
the instructor. Students also debate and discuss historical and contemporary political issues.
College Prep Government and Economics 160
Grade 12
College Prep Government and Economics critically analyzes advanced ideas in government and economics and introduces students to
American politics, economics and personal finance. This course offers an intensive study of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and
responsibilities of all citizens. With this foundation, students examine the national, state, and local governments in practice. Students
also debate and discuss historical and contemporary political issues. This course surveys the economic relationship of the government
and the private sector. In addition, students develop strategies for personal budgeting and investment. This course requires extensive
reading, writing, and research.
Honors Government and Economics 161
Grade 12
Honors Government and Economics critically analyzes advanced ideas in government and economics and introduces students to
American politics and economics. This course offers an intensive study of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of
all citizens. With this foundation, students examine the national, state, and local governments in practice. Students debate and discuss
historical and contemporary political issues. This course surveys the economic relationship of the government and the private sector.
In addition, major theoretical and philosophic schools of thought in political science and economics are explored. This course requires
extensive reading, writing, and research.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
A.P. United States History/Technology and Research 162
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “A” in College Prep required history class or minimum grade of “B” in an Honors required
history class.
Advanced Placement United States History is a two-semester college-level survey course in American political, economic and social
history from pre-Columbian times to the present. Advanced research and analytical thinking, reading, and writing skills are
emphasized and developed, with the goal of preparing the student to succeed in university studies. Major projects include researchbased essays, a mock trial, a debate, and several simulations. Students who complete this class will earn two weighted credits. In order
to earn AP weighted credit, students must take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students may take A. P. United States
History to satisfy the Civics requirement.
A.P. European History/Technology and Research 163
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “A” in College Prep required history class or minimum grade of “B” in an Honors required
history class.
Advanced Placement European History is a two-semester college-level historical survey course examining political, economic and
social patterns of Eastern and Western Europe. Basic political and economic theories are analyzed and applied in historical context.
Art, music, technology and social problems are used to clarify cultural changes. This course has a large research and writing
component that helps prepare students for superb work in post-secondary education. Review sessions are offered on a weekly and
individual basis. Students utilize a variety of multi-media techniques in completing their research. Students who complete this class
will earn two weighted credits. In order to earn AP weighted credit, students must take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
A.P. United States Government/Technology and Research 149
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “A” in College Prep required history class or minimum grade of “B” in an Honors required
history class.
Advanced Placement United States Government is a two-semester college-level survey course in American government, political and
economic systems. The course will include components on comparative, state and local government systems. Advanced research and
analytical thinking, reading and writing skills are emphasized and developed, with the goal of preparing the student to succeed in
university studies. Major projects include research-based essays, debates, community events attendance and simulations. Students who
complete this class will earn two weighted credits. In order to earn AP weighted credit, students must take the Advanced Placement
examination in May.
A.P. Economics 220
Grade 11 or 12
Offered only in the spring semester
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “A” in College Prep required history class or minimum grade of “B” in an Honors required
history class.
AP Economics students will study a new way of thinking, understanding and explaining the world. This one semester course will be
offered in the spring semester, and will be the equivalent of an introductory college-level course in Microeconomics. AP Economics
will prepare students for the AP Exam as well as for future study in business, economics, history, and political science. The course
will focus on how individuals and businesses deal with scarcity and competition in the real world. We will also address how the
government, as well as other factors, can affect these economic decisions. Students will learn why the same product costs different
amounts at different stores, in different cities, and at different times. Through a variety of classroom lessons, activities and
simulations, students will engage with the subject of economics, and leave the course more thoroughly prepared to succeed at the
university level.
A.P. Psychology 221
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “A” in College Prep required history class or minimum grade of “B” in an Honors required
history class.
Recommendation: Taking Social Psychology first is recommended; however, it is possible to bypass this requirement with teacher
approval.
Advanced Placement Psychology is a two-semester college-level course designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific
study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. This is the equivalent to an honors introductory
college course in psychology. This would be useful to students of all college majors as it is a requirement in any post-secondary
education. Students will develop critical thinking and reading skills as well as scientific writing skills. Major projects include researchbased essays, debates, experiments, and presentations. Students who enroll should be highly motivated and intellectually curious:
There will be nightly readings from a college-level textbook and a rigorous course syllabus. Students who complete this class will earn
two weighted credits. In order to earn AP weighting, students must take the AP exam in May. THIS COURSE WILL NOT COUNT
TOWARD THE FOUR REQUIRED SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES.
THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE OFFERED AS ELECTIVES AND DO NOT COUNT TOWARD THE FOUR
REQUIRED SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES.
Military History 167
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: U.S. History II and 10th Civics and Government
This elective course for juniors and seniors is designed for students with a strong interest in military history. The course will focus on
major topics in world military history. Topics will include the causes of war, trends in strategy and tactics, and the influence of
technology on the evolution of warfare. Course requirements will include a research paper and portfolio project.
Social Psychology 164
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: U.S. History II and 10th Civics and Government
This elective course for juniors and seniors provides a systematic introduction to the field of social psychology, the study of how
individuals are influenced by other people and social situations. The course will also cover basic concepts in general psychology.
Topics covered include the brain, prejudice and discrimination, learning, human development, and mental illnesses. Special emphasis
is placed on applying psychological principles and understanding to everyday life. Course requirements include participation in a rat
laboratory and a reflection paper based on a social norms/violations. This is a recommended course for those interested in Advanced
Placement Psychology.
The Turbulent 1960’s 168
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: U.S. History II and 10th Civics and Government
This elective course, created for juniors and seniors, is intended for students that have a strong interest in 1960’s history. Students who
take this course will delve deeply into such topics as JFK, The Cold War, the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. Students
will also study the popular culture of the period that has become so synonymous with the 1960s. Students will be required to complete
one research paper and will interact with one another through technology forums where course content will be discussed and debated.
World Religions 165
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: U. S. History II and 10th Civics and Government
This elective course for juniors and seniors analyzes world religions through the prisms of history and culture. Every human group
from prehistory to the present has possessed a deeply held belief system. It is arguably the most influential aspect of human culture.
World Religions will introduce you to the beliefs and practices of the major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Students will gain a fuller understanding of the people and cultures of the world
and explore how religious diversity impacts contemporary world events.
Criminal Justice 148
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: U.S. History II and10th Civics and Government
This elective course for juniors and seniors is designed to provide an overview of the justice process and the criminal justice system in
general. Concepts of crime, deviance and justice will be discussed and general theories of crime causality will be examined. Individual
rights in society will be explored, as will the legal definitions of various crimes. Examination of the organization and operation of the
three basic components of the criminal justice system—the police, the courts, and corrections—individually and in relationship to one
another, will also be explored in this course.
History of U.S. Immigration (1787-Present) 223
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: U.S. History II and 10th Civic and Government
The course will examine the history of immigration to our country, the reasons for immigration, and the impact immigration has had.
Students will examine the economic, social and political effects of immigration. Additionally the course will contain a sub-focus on
genealogy. In this part of the course students will discover how to gather and organize information, conduct an oral history, and use
vital records and census records to conduct genealogical research and create family histories.